Elon Musk's Trip to China: "Tesla Opposes Decoupling"

Meeting with Qin Gang, Member of the State Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, visited China for the first time in about three years. During his meeting with the Foreign Minister, he expressed opposition to 'decoupling.'

According to US media CNBC and others, Musk met with Qin Gang, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, in Beijing on the 30th (local time). It is uncommon for the head of China's Foreign Ministry to have a one-on-one meeting with a foreign businessperson.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, shaking hands with Qin Gang, Chinese Foreign Minister (Photo by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)

At the meeting, Musk said, "The interests of the US and China are intertwined like conjoined twins and cannot be separated," and "Tesla opposes (supply chain) decoupling and network disconnection," according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Additionally, Musk reportedly said, "The Chinese people are diligent and wise, so China's development and achievements are natural."

China is showing a stance of being cold in political and military areas toward the US, while demonstrating proactiveness in the economic sector. China appears to be actively using the Tesla CEO's visit?who produced more than 50% of Tesla's total production last year at the Shanghai factory?as a message against decoupling.

Minister Qin stated, "The prospects for the development of China's new energy vehicle industry are vast," and added, "China will continue to promote a high level of opening-up without wavering and will focus on creating a better business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized for companies from all countries, including Tesla."

He continued, "China's development is an opportunity for the world," and added, "A sound, stable, and constructive China-US relationship benefits not only both countries but also the world."